Each year, 460, 000 patients undergo this procedure to alleviate severe back problems, such as spinal fractures and torn cartilage.

FORBES: Neurosurgery

His injuries included a broken back, a collapsed lung, torn cartilage throughout his sternum and a two-inch laceration on his forehead.

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Eto'o, who underwent surgery to repair a torn cartilage in his right knee last month, is expected to remain out of action for another four months.

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In April he had an operation on a torn cartilage in his right knee and had already been sidelined for a month after another knee operation in January.

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Lin had a sensational run after becoming the Knicks' starter in February, but his season ended after just 35 games and 25 starts when he needed surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.

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Last season, Kolb helped the Cardinals get off to a 4-0 start before being sidelined for the rest of the season with torn rib cartilage.

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After averaging 32 regular-season games in her first four seasons in Detroit, Ford totaled just 68 in her last three while she endured cartilage damage in her left knee in 2007 and a torn ACL in her right knee in 2008.

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